A lifting operation with a crane will usually need lifting equipment to attach the crane to the load. The type of lifting gear required when moving something heavy from ‘A to B’ will depend on what’s being lifted and the details of the load; the size and weight, and any lifting points to connect to, as well as the available headroom between the hook and the load.
Spreader Beams
Spreader beams are a popular choice, ideal when slings need to clear obstacles and headroom is not an issue. A Modulift spreader beam withstands crushing forces by putting a compressive stress on the beam. It keeps the slings below the beam at a 90 degree angle to avoid the load being damaged. The weight of the load being lifted is equally distributed between the two slings when the centre of gravity of the load is central.
Advantages of Using a Spreader Beam
Modulift spreader beams are versatile with interchangeable parts which can be used over multiple lifts. This means the beam can be taken apart and made shorter or longer depending on the length of what is being lifted. When the weight of the load is evenly distributed along the beam, there is no stress on a single lifting point which reduces the chance of the load tipping or bending. Where the centre of gravity is not central, Modulift can assist with a safe rigging arrangement. Due to the versatility and modularity of spreader beams, they are ideal for lifting wide loads as there is much more control on the slings and the load being lifted.
Disadvantages of Using a Spreader Beam
Spreader beams may not be the ideal choice in a space with limited headroom, due to the need for longer overhead slings. Also, there is an increased chance of spinning and loss of control with particularly long spreader beams. Loads being lifted using a spreader beam can typically only be supported on the two ends of the beam. Whereas a lifting beam can have multiple lifting points along the bottom to support the load.
Lifting Beams
Lifting beams are a good choice when headroom is restricted. They convert lifting loads into a bending force on the beam. Lifting beams can have a single or multiple attachment points on top of the beam to connect to the crane. Typically, there are two or more evenly spaced lifting lugs on the underside of the beam that attach to and support the load via hook or sling.
Advantages of Using a Lifting Beam
Lifting beams are ideal for lighter and shorter spans where there may be a restriction with headroom. Lifting beams such as the Multi-Point Beam have the ability to provide multiple lifting points on the top and bottom of the beam, using variable or fixed lifting lugs. Using variable lifting lugs means lifting beams can be adjusted to suit different loads.
Disadvantages of Using a Lifting Beam
Lifting beams are more rigid and heavy duty compared to a spreader beam. The size and weight of a lifting beam can make it less versatile and more difficult to transport.
What is the difference between a Spreader Beam and Lifting Beam?
The main difference between a spreader beam and a lifting beam is the force being applied to the beam; a lifting beam puts a bending stress on the beam, whereas, a spreader beam puts a compression stress on the beam. Conditions of the lift will determine which beam is more suitable, such as the available headroom during the lift, the weight and span of the load and the stability of what’s being lifted.
Spreader beams are typically used where there is ample headroom. Loads being lifted using a spreader beam can only be supported on the two ends of the beam, as opposed to a lifting beam, which can have multiple lifting points along the bottom to lift the load. Loads with multiple lifting points can be lifted using a spreader beam by cascading rig, but this requires a large amount of headroom. A lifting beam is typically a low-height lifting solution. It is the ideal solution for indoor lifts or where lifts have restricted headroom.
Find out more about Modulift’s range of Spreader Beams and Lifting Beams.